Criticism rightfully exploded online, with many people mentioned the old urban legend that the word “picnic” originated from the term “pick-a-ni**er.” As legend goes, white people would make an event out of “picking a ni**er” to lynch.

According to Victor Guzman, the manager of Pizza by Certé, the name was meant to play on how Italians would say the word.

Right. They had no idea that a pizza named “Pic-a-Nika” — topped with fried chicken and watermelon — was racist.

We don’t believe them; they need more people.

Pizza by Certé posted the following apology on Facebook:

“To the people of New York City and to those who were offended by the sign. And specifically and especially to the Black Community, we are (gravely,deeply, truly) sorry.”

“When we named the pizza “Pic-a-Nika” we disrespected an entire community, perpetuated a hurtful ideology and brought embarrassment to ourselves. In a time and climate when words carry so much change, we chose beyond poorly and cannot erase or ignore the damaging effects it has caused. It’s tough to think that we did something so HURTFUL. We made a shameful mistake. Once again, we are sorry.”

Right. They had no idea that a pizza named “pic-a-nika” — topped with fried chicken and watermelon — was racist.